Review Question - QID 212621

This patient who does not speak English still has a right to know the diagnosis and participate in decision making with regards to their medical plan. The physician should therefore ask for an interpreter to speak with the patient.

Autonomy is one of the core principles within medical ethics. Respecting autonomy means that patients should be treated as individuals who have distinct preferences with regards to their medical care. These preferences should be honored and take priority when making medical decisions. If the patient is unable to express their preference, then durable power of attorney, living will, and next of kin should be consulted in that order. Notably, autonomy also means that all patients, regardless of age, should have the option of speaking to their physician alone. This option applies even if the patient is unable to speak English, in which case a translator should be called.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Ask the family to translate the plan for the patient and ask for questions is not correct because the patient should have the opportunity to express their preferences to the physician direction.

Answer 3: Respect the family's cultural wishes and not discuss the plan with the patient is incorrect because this course of action would violate the patient's rights to autonomy.

Answer 4: Speak directly with the patient in English to ascertain their wishes is incorrect because this patient has the right to communicate in a language that they understand fluently.

Answer 5: Transfer the care of the patient over to a Spanish-speaking colleague is incorrect because a physician should not abandon their duty to their patients except in extreme circumstances. In this case, a translator can easily remedy the communication barrier.

Bullet Summary:
Physicians should respect the autonomy of non-English speaking patients by discussing the medical plan through a translator.